In a world of medical innovation, it can be difficult to achieve peak efficiency using outdated methods. It can be difficult to keep things running smoothly in the face ever-changing requirements and approaches. It can be difficult to choose and install an EHR system that is both flexible and persuasive in high-end industries.
ERM/EHR systems are essential to meet modern healthcare requirements. ERM/EHR systems can store medical records and related documents in one location. Doctors and other medical professionals might feel overwhelmed by the number of electronic medical records (EMR) available today Like
Medhost EMR.
Although most EHR/EMR systems only cover the basics of the system, there are many advanced options. Sometimes it is difficult for medical professionals to find equipment that is both affordable and effective.
Different healthcare delivery systems require different electronic health records. Intergy EHR is one example of the interconnected systems. MEDHOST EHR is another. Comparing the EMR services offered by Intergy EMR and MEDHOST EMR is a great way to learn more about the differences.
This article will discuss Intergy EMR and MEDHOST EMR, two electronic medical records systems that are very popular among medical professionals.
MEDHOST EMR
The MEDHOST EMR is a great choice for medical records. The MEDHOST EMR was developed by a multidisciplinary team of medical experts, which includes nurses, doctors, administrators, and specialists in many areas, including rehabilitation and emergency care.
An integrated EHR system in the emergency department (ED) can help reduce medical errors, gather more detailed patient data and improve overall care. It can be used to benefit the health service and analysis of multiple sites.
The MEDHOST team is committed to offering a variety of banking options to their customers. The system appears well-organized, which is a benefit for patients. The real benefit lies in the ease with which patients records can be retrieved and accessed by doctors and other healthcare professionals at any of the affiliated clinics, labs or other institutions.
All clinical tasks are efficiently handled by MEDHOST software. Doctors have nothing to worry. This study also emphasizes the importance of being able to contact your doctor and building trust with your healthcare team.
MEDHOST EMR Benefits: Access to the best medical care is made easier by allowing transparent inputs and managing settlements. Additionally, MEDHOST EMR automates generation of key features and upgrades that ensure compliance for individual patient configurations. Doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff can have a 360-degree view of financial and analytical data by using the MEDHOST EMR software. It also has customizable records that allow you to fine-tune your healthcare performance by examining charts and other visual representations. For better administrative unit coordination, it delivers up-to-the-minute data. It is essential to keep track of each patient section and monitor its operation during emergencies. This will help improve patient care and supervise standards. This is made easy by MEDHOST EMR. Review of MEDHOST EMR:
The intuitive design of the electronic medical record system MEDHOST is often praised by reviewers. MEDHOST develops new tools to optimize your processes. Superior customer service is available to technological progress managers. MEDHOST aims to provide doctors with the tools they need to ensure healthcare runs smoothly and without wasting their time on tedious tasks. It is used widely in medicine due to its simplicity. There are other factors that can help to ensure a positive outcome.
Intergy EMR:
Community hospitals will find
Intergy EMR a very useful system. Intergy gives customers the tools they need to manage chronic diseases effectively, qualify for insurance incentives and thrive in the new value-based healthcare system. All benefits of the ONC-certified system include simplified notation, automated processes and streamlined workflows.
Intergy offers a specialized field of expertise in EHRs and practices management services to ambulatory healthcare environments with three or more doctors. This system was designed with podiatry clinics specifically in mind. The system provides users with the tools necessary to address long-term healthcare issues, access payer incentives, and compete in the value-based healthcare marketplace. Its unified features include simplified notation and automated processes.
Greenway Secure Cloud provides access to the EHR as well as a practicing control system. Greenway provides a range of products as well as a marketplace for third-party vendors to sell additional integrated solutions that can be used to improve productivity at work.
Intergy EMR benefits: Greenway’s innovative solution, outstanding services, and strategic collaboration allow their clients to increase profits and maintain regulatory compliance. This allows them to better serve their patients as evidenced by the Intergy EMR effort. Intergy makes it easy to add a patient. You can edit the patient registration fields. To ensure patients give accurate information, they can make changes to the fields that are required for registration. The technology can even remember a doctor’s preferences, and generate suggestions based on them. The system can automatically generate any outstanding bills at the time of a patient’s exit. Revenue cycle management is key to ensuring a profitable ROI. Intergy’s front desk support is enhanced by Intergy’s patient portal and communication capabilities. Healthcare professionals can also track the success rate of value-based care using dashboards. This information can be used by doctors to identify service problems. It is editable and allows for flexible financial reporting. Intergy has over 500 clinical fields that can be reported on, making it a flexible EHR. These additions can help you streamline your business processes and increase your productivity. Intergy EMR Reviews:
Intergy EMR has received high user satisfaction ratings, which is evident in the evaluations. Intergy EMR has many highly-respected features. Intergy EMR is highly regarded by nearly all reviewers (92%) that praise its ease of use and ease of deployment. It offers a variety of templates that can be customized to meet a wide range customer needs, as all the customers who submitted customization requests confirmed.


The present investigation examined effects of diets containing different proportions of macronutrients on longevity in two substrains of normotensive Wistar rats--Wistar Kyoto (WKY), the most widely accepted normotensive control for spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Munich Wistar rats (WAM as designated here). Each substrain was divided into five dietary groups composed of 15 rats each. Compared to a baseline diet composed of near equal calories of sucrose, fat, and protein, the remaining four diets were high sucrose-low protein, high sucrose-low fat, low sucrose-high protein, and low sucrose-high fat. Significantly higher systolic blood pressures were found in the two groups of WKY and WAM ingesting the high sucrose diets compared to the other three groups. The high sucrose groups were also hyperinsulinemic. Although only the group of WKY consuming the high sucrose-low fat diet showed a significantly shortened lifespan, the lifespan of WKY positively correlated with systolic blood pressure when data from all dietary groups were combined. WKY and WAM with an average systolic blood pressure exceeding 150 mm Hg had a significantly shorter lifespan than the rats with lower average blood pressure. Accordingly, elevated systolic blood pressure, especially when the blood pressure exceeds 150 mm Hg, significantly shortens lifespan.


Each day, technology advances and blockchain continues to draw an increasing number of curious minds. Due to the decentralized, unchangeable characteristics of blockchain technology, it is now influencing every business. As a decentralized digital ledger, blockchain technology enables the verification and recording of all transactions on an encrypted, secure network. It brings much-needed transparency to businesses.
By democratizing control over digital assets, blockchain technology hopes to eliminate transactional friction. Among these, this article will discuss how blockchain can assist the film business in overcoming its obstacles. The cinema industry benefits enormously from blockchain technology in the twenty-first century, as it facilitates the global network of audiences, distributors, and content providers. For more information, visit Immediate Profit.
The Film Industry’s Challenges
Internet series are in direct competition with traditional cinema. Traditional cinema is facing stiff competition from digital shows.
Competition between Movie and Theatre:
UHD televisions have a 4K resolution, which is superior to the 2K resolution found in movie theatres. While televisions offer a higher frame rate and dynamic range than theatres, people flock to premium theatres such as IMAX for their superior image and sound quality.
Insufficiency of Genre Variety
Nowadays, consumers seek out unique content. Only those who are truly distinctive can reach a worldwide audience. Filmmaking requires participation from individuals from varied industries and positions of authority. This way, new content will be developed, piquing audiences’ attention.
How Cryptocurrency Is Beneficial: Ownership and Copyright
Copyright establishment and protection is a complex and costly task for the film business. Fines and lawsuits create significant barriers for tiny, independent distributors and producers, threatening their very existence. Unacknowledged or wrongly granted rights frequently result in the exploitation of original tale concepts.
Smart contracts (self-executing digital contracts that include the conditions of an agreement between a buyer and a seller) aid in the definition of the regulations governing the assignment of rights to television and airline versions, worldwide releases, and merchandising licenses.
Piracy of Digital Content
The occurrences of films getting pirated online have risen dramatically throughout the years. Piracy is a significant hardship and expense for film studios. Occasionally, the scenario can be reversed, with content creators exploited by studios because they may not have a significant stake in the development or profitability of a film. Blockchain technology’s distributed ledger technology generates an immutable record of all transactions involving any creative work, idea, or item.
Equal opportunity
Blockchain technology enables independent production companies and growing locations with limited audiences and infrastructure to thrive. For example, if a major studio acquires the rights to a small film, the specifics of the resultant revenues can be shared on the blockchain.
This provides complete transparency. Blockchain technologies such as Ethereum can establish virtual companies and autonomous institutions for financing projects through ownership and shares.
It connects investors to a global pool of investors, enabling them to buy, sell, or exchange their equities.
Networks of Distribution and Sales
By working with foreign partners who oversee local distribution, traditional distributor and exhibitor networks have grown. Blockchain technology now provides a scalable and decentralized alternative. It is capable of managing the growing complexity of digital distribution strategies and worldwide networks. When receiving and documenting collections, smart contracts can be utilized to automate revenue distribution. This scenario advantages small, independent exhibitors and producers, as spectators can use cryptocurrencies to purchase tickets and share collections before completing the show’s screenings.
Smart Contracts
Smart contracts, first offered by Ethereum, enable counterparties to automate transaction operations traditionally carried out manually and require third-party intermediaries to be involved. The instructions are described as a set coded to a blockchain database and saved as digital contracts and negotiating tools for acquiring and raising contracts and recording terms in the distributed directory. Not only would these contracts be trackable and irrevocable, but they would also remove involvement from third parties. Such as:
Registration and implementation between manufacturers and distribution partners of distribution and distribution agreements. Enable the automated distribution of income while receiving and recording collections. enable counterparties to automate transactions to handle contracts quickly, accurately and economically The reporting and broadcast of valid film uploads by content owners, search engines, Internet service providers when a non-blockchain enables content to be found online. Increased transparency in the delivery of content.
The blockchain provides the path for movie buffs to participate fully in the entertainment sector. The film industry’s creative process is shaped by blockchain. Fans that support the creators will now have the opportunity to monetize their passion by being a critical part of the process.
Filmmakers are rapidly employing blockchain technology to film distribution, signaling a positive shift in how information is shared and seen. This significant development will undoubtedly have a pleasant ending.
As blockchain technology liberates the film community from risk constraints, enormous budgets, and intensive scrutiny, the game will shift away from numbers and rankings and toward quality.


Although support staff at the front desk are the first point of contact in the audiology clinic, they rarely receive formal training in Person-Centered Care (PCC). To address this gap, the Ida Institute has launched a new tailored online course, to specifically help support staff integrate PCC in their everyday work, enhance patient interaction, and fundamentally improve the overall patient experience.
The new course,
Getting Started with Person-Centered Care for Support Staff, was developed in collaboration with Greta Stamper, AuD, PhD, and Assistant Director of Audiology at the Mayo Clinic. “As audiologists, we occasionally underestimate the importance of support staff on the patient journey. This is critical as they offer the first and last impression as people enter and leave the clinic,” says Stamper. “Most support staff training focuses on the technical aspects of the workload and the personal interaction skills are not formally taught. They often pick it up on the job, which can lead to occasional breakdowns in care, when forgotten. By involving everyone in PCC, the patient journey is much more comprehensive and complete.” Getting Started with Person-Centered Care for Support Staff is intended for anyone in a support role, from front desk staff members and audiology assistants or technicians, to individuals handling insurance or billing – and anyone else who might interact with individuals in hearing healthcare. The course provides an overall introduction to PCC, looks at the different elements and key benefits, and dives into the aspects that are particularly relevant to support staff. The course is intuitive, bite-sized, and can be taken on the go. Getting Started with Person-Centered Care for Support Staff is now available free of charge in the Ida Learning Hall (login required). Support staff who complete the course are eligible to join the Inspired by Ida program.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Greta Stamper on this new course that raises awareness around an aspect of the patient journey that has not previously received much attention. The course fills a gap in the field and marks a significant advancement in the implementation of a holistic PCC approach.” Lise Lotte Bundesen, Managing Director of the Ida Institute


Board Member Performance
Your nonprofit organization needs more than just sound strategies and sufficient capital. You need a capable, engaged board of directors to propel your mission forward.
A nonprofit board that is diverse in terms of ethnicity, gender, life experience, and skillset is more likely to generate innovative ideas and bring forth new solves to old problems. When board members are passionate about the work and have a greater connection to those served by the mission, it provides context for proper resource allocation and effective strategic action, while helping deepen an organization’s relevance and impact. Boards must actively seek those who bring new perspectives to the table, challenge the status quo, and are qualified to lead.
Elevate Your Board’s Collective Awareness
Look beyond standard board candidate recruiting practices and utilize innovative tools to help you cultivate new relationships.
Historically nonprofit organizations have lacked the proper methods and support to identify board candidates who have the experience, training, and life experience needed to contribute to effective board governance.
We are committed to bridging that gap. Today, BoardBuild helps emerging and established leaders serve effectively by training and certifying individuals in the essentials of nonprofit board governance, covering everything from financial information to strategic planning. We have passionate, qualified leaders who are waiting to connect with you and ready to serve.
Easily post your open board positions, highlighting the specific skills and expertise needed by your nonprofit organization. Our advanced matching system will quickly connect you with trained, qualified individuals who are ready to lead from day one.


Overwhelming registrations for Sri Lanka’s most celebrated Annual Report Awards competition 28th November 2011: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has received overwhelming registrations for the country’s most celebrated Annual Report Awards competition which promotes transparency in financial reporting while enhancing reporting standards in line with best global practices. Scheduled for the 9th of December at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla, the 47th Annual Report Awards recognises excellence in annual financial reporting while encouraging effective communication to stakeholders through the publication of informative annual reports, promoting effective presentation of financial and non-financial information. Among the other objectives of the awards competition is the encouragement of compliance with legislative requirements and generally accepted accounting practices. CA Sri Lanka President, Mr. Sujeewa Mudalige noted that an essential ingredient for a healthy financial system and a robust capital market is good corporate reporting which is accurate, timely and comprehensive corporate disclosure, which not only helps to cultivate the confidence of its stakeholders and investors, but also contributes to the building up of the company's good public image and reputation. “No one can ignore the importance of quality financial reporting, because people make decisions based on financial information and therefore the Annual Report Awards is not only a competition but a platform which encourages transparency, accuracy and best practices,” he said. Chairman of the Annual Report Awards Committee, Mr. Lasantha Wickremasinghe emphasized that this competition helps improve transparency in reporting and also enhances reporting standards in line with the best global practices. “CA Sri Lanka endeavors to upgrade the competition every year by regularly updating the marking schemes to be on par with the developments in the global business sector and as the sole authority in promulgating accounting standards, we consider it our responsibility to ensure that companies in Sri Lanka adhere to such standards and thereby help the stability of the national economy,” he said. Following a meticulous selection process consisting of a technical marking process, industrial marking and the final marking by a specialized panel of judges, winners will be selected as per the score they have received and the final decision will be announced at a gala ceremony on 9th December. This year’s competition will see awards being presented under 25 special categories with a total of 80 winners. The winners will be selected on their ability to communicate the objectives of the competition clearly to an intended audience.


The following items are not permitted in the residence halls. Adjustable bed
The residence halls offer beds that easily adjust to three different heights for storage, bunking and lofting. With a loft, a desk or other furniture fits easily under the bed.
Adhesive LED light strips
Adhesive LED light strips use a strong adhesive to adhere to the walls. When removed, it is very common for them to remove large portions of paint from your room walls, resulting in significant damage charges at the end of the year when the lights are removed. To prevent large unexpected charges at move-out, we discourage students from adhering adhesive LED lights to their walls.
Air conditioners and space heaters
Since Boulder's climate is pleasant with low humidity and mild temperatures, personal air conditioners and space heaters are not needed. Regardless, they are not allowed due to their excessive power requirements and fire hazard potential.
Bottled water
Bottled water is permitted in the residence halls, however, we encourage students to bring a refillable water bottle with them instead. Every building on campus (including residence halls) is equipped with a triple-filtered water station, providing unlimited water refills. This helps keep at least one million single-use bottles out of landfills each year!
Candles and beanbag chairs
These are not allowed because they are fire hazards.
Cigarettes/E-cigarettes/cigars/pipes/hookahs/vaporizers/Marijuana
The CU Boulder campus is a designated smoke-free environment, including all university residence halls. This includes all residence hall public areas such as lobbies, hallways, lounges, bathrooms and dining facilities, as well as all student rooms and living spaces. Hookahs and water pipes are considered paraphernalia and are not allowed on campus.
Cooking appliances
Appliances not allowed include:
All electrical appliances must be UL-approved and have automatic shut-off. All rooms are furnished with a microwave/fridge combo, with the exception of apartments.
Draperies/tapestries
The draperies used in the halls meet special fire safety standards and may not be removed. Tapestries/wall hangings/flags larger than 3x3 are considered fire hazards and are not allowed.
Firearms/weapons
Firearms, explosives, incendiary devices, or other weapons, or harmless instruments designed to look like a firearm, explosive, or weapon, are not permitted in the residence halls. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, BB guns, paint ball guns, pellet guns, martial arts equipment, and swords or knives with blades more than 3 inches in length. Violation of this policy will result in the immediate termination of your Housing & Dining Services Contract, and a disciplinary conference with the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, with a likely result of suspension from the university. You must check with the University of Colorado Police Department (303-492-6666) for information about the storage of guns, knives or other weapons.
Fireworks
Most types of fireworks are illegal in the state of Colorado. Absolutely no such incendiary devices are allowed in the residence halls at any time.
Heaters/Halogen lamps/Heat lamps
These are not allowed because they are fire hazards.
Hoverboards
Due to the fire danger associated with hoverboards, they are not permitted in residence halls.
Nails or screws
You are not allowed to put holes in the walls, ceilings or floors or construct permanent structures in your room.
Pets
Pets are not permitted in the buildings or on the grounds. You may have one 10-gallon aquarium for small aquatic life (turtles and fish) if your roommate(s) agree. Assistance and service animals are permitted with approval via the Disability Accommodation Request process.
Speakers
Large speakers are not prohibited but we discourage students from bringing them. Not only do they take up valuable space in your room, they can be very disruptive to your neighbors.
If you decide to bring a speaker, please be aware that certain functionality may not work on the campus Wi-Fi network. Sonos speakers are currently unable to connect to the campus network.
Wi-Fi routers
No personal Wi-Fi access points or routers are allowed to be connected to the campus network. All halls are equipped with Wi-Fi access via the campus network. For additional information about the wireless policy, visit the Office of Information Technology site.


Water Leak Detection in Marietta Leak Detection in Marietta
Detecting leaks not only protects you from averting potential disasters but also saves you money. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to detect leaks quickly, which becomes particularly dangerous because they can easily cause damage. The reality is that as long as the water is moving inside a structure, there's no safe room from seeping water. However, some spaces tend to be more prone to leaks than others and require regular assessment to mitigate leaks before they get out of hand.
Mr. Rooter offers the most reliable emergency leak detection and repair services in Marietta and nearby towns, so you don't have to worry when a leak suddenly pops up. Do not wait until you come across a kitchen sink, toilet, or basement leak to start wondering who you should call for a repair? Mr. Rooter Plumbing specializes in leak detection through routine maintenance checks to help you get ahead of the problem.
Schedule Your Marietta Plumbing Repair Now! Dangers of Leaking Waste or Clean Water
Leak detection helps you avoid several inconveniences and potential dangers in your home. Our detection services are carried out by a team of experts, guaranteeing that the risks associated with leaks are mitigated. Some of the dangers we help you avoid include:
Mold and Mildew
Moisture is a crucial contributor to the growth of mold and mildew. If these leaks are not detected early, the chances of drying fast enough become slim, becoming a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold is a potential health risk that affects your respiratory system and damages different materials in your home. You don't have to worry about living in a property with mold and mildew, through our top-notch maintenance and leak detection services.
High Utility Bills
Inflated water, electricity, and gas bill doesn't necessarily mean you are overusing these utilities. However, undetected leaks often cause a hike in water bills which means you are paying for water you have not used. Do not let money go down the drain; get in touch with our professional team for quality leak detection in Marietta.
Structural Damage
If you look at most of the things in your home, they do not augur well when exposed to moisture. From peeling paint, wood rot, metal corrosion, and the deterioration of several materials, leak detection is vital to prevent these from happening. We recommend scheduling a regular maintenance check to deal with hidden leaks and prevent the damage from spreading over a large area.
Pest Infestation
Whether it's a kitchen sink, basement, or toilet leak, there's no place that pests cannot burrow or eat through. Additionally, moisture from the leaks usually softens various materials, allowing pests to feed on them and breed quickly. Before you know it, you need an exterminator and a nearby plumber. There are many causes of water leaking pipes, and understanding what causes leaks goes a long way in stopping them early.
Our team of experts provides you with the necessary information to help you prevent the risk of hidden water leaks.


A service contract is between a client that agrees to hire a service provider for work. Under such employment, the service provider will be acting as a 1099 independent contractor and under an at-will arrangement. This allows either party being able to terminate with sufficient notice.
An office lease agreement is a legal document between a landlord and tenant that will be occupying space for non-retail use. The space is generally suited for occupations such as accountants, attorneys, real estate agents, or other related fields where clients are welcome for professional consultation.
A breach of contract cease and desist letter is sent to a party that has entered into an agreement and has violated the terms resulting in damages to the claimant. This letter is commonly used when the defendant is in violation of an employment or non-compete agreement.
A stock purchase letter of intent is used to establish an agreement for the purchase of shares in a business such as a corporation, company (LLC), or partnership. The agreement may be used for public and privately traded companies.
A durable power of attorney form allows an individual (principal) to select someone else (agent) to handle their financial affairs while they are alive. The term durable refers to the form remaining valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated (e.g. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.).


Comprehensive analysis of literary and rhetorical strategies
The language arts and discussion questions at the end of each chapter serve as the foundation for understanding the figurative language, style, strategies, genres, etc., in the book. The language arts questions are designed for students to develop a “close reading” strategy. The concept of close reading is a researched proven and Common Core Standards recommended tool in which students are encouraged to examine the text in a way that assures comprehension and analysis. The questions are designed to compel the student to identify, analyze, and respond to the writing style and themes of the author.
Samples
1.
(Standards RI 5, 6; CC 6) Describe the voice that Marsalis establishes in the opening paragraphs of Chapter 1. How does voice affect the reader’s reaction to the topic of jazz? Give specific examples. Marsalis immediately establishes a personable, welcoming voice. Yet, he also establishes credibility. By starting out with the voice of a child (“stumbling” into rooms where children weren’t allowed), he provides something that the reader can relate to. He calls his father “daddy,” and discusses how the adults “brought candy to the kids.” This familiar diction and narrative style reflect Marsalis’s innocent, childlike approach and appreciation of jazz — associating sweet memories with the music. These memories include interaction with jazz greats, which also serves to establish a voice of authority. This voice of appreciation and authority transcends the book.
2.
(Standard ELA 6) What role does jargon play in the conversation among jazz musicians? Describe the communication among the musicians. Marsalis says the jazzmen had “their own language, calling one another ‘cats,’ calling jobs ‘gigs,’ and instruments ‘axes,’ peppering their conversations with all types of colorful, pungent words and unapologetic truisms.” This sentence shows both the informal and formal style of Marsalis while relating how jargon established a personal connection among the jazzmen.
Have you observed the use of jargon among other professionals? Describe it.
3.
(Standards RI 4; ELA 5) Which two things are being compared when Marsalis uses the metaphor, “master a moment of soul”? Master is compared to a communicator and moment of soul is compared to a universal truth. Marsalis uses the metaphor to express that when someone can articulate a deep, universal truth about life, he or she has the ability to control something in the human spirit.


We will be hosting a talk about our work on
Virtualizing Consensus In Delos For Rapid Upgrades And Happy Engineers during our virtual Systems @Scale event at 11am PT on Wednesday, March 17th, followed by a live Q&A session. Please submit any questions you may have to systemsatscale@fb.com before the event.
When the Delos project started in late 2017, we aimed to create a new storage system for the Facebook control plane. Our first use case required a database with a table API. However, we needed to eventually support a range of other APIs (such as ZooKeeper).
To rapidly implement and deploy Delos, we leveraged the novel technique of virtual consensus, where multiple copies of a database are kept synchronized via a VirtualLog abstraction that stores and orders commands. The VirtualLog itself is layered over different consensus protocols called Loglets and can switch between them, allowing Delos to change its consensus subsystem without downtime.
Virtual consensus allowed the first Delos-based database (DelosTable) to reach production using ZooKeeper as its underlying Loglet. In a sense, we used ZooKeeper’s tried-and-tested consensus protocol while supporting a table API on top. Later, we switched DelosTable to a custom-built NativeLoglet protocol for better performance and to remove ZooKeeper as a critical path dependency.
However, the ultimate goal of Delos was not to build yet another single, monolithic database with a fixed API. Instead, we wanted to enable a range of databases with different APIs, so that applications could select the API best suited to their needs. Concretely, our next immediate task was to replace the ZooKeeper service at Facebook by building a second database exposing the ZooKeeper API. In doing so, we had to scale Delos: not just in the usual dimensions of throughput or capacity, but in terms of the engineers working on the codebase who needed to understand, extend, and operate Delos.
Abstraction makes engineers happy… right?
To scale the development and operation of multiple databases, we designed Delos as a platform for building databases. Each Delos-based database (such as DelosTable) consists of a thin layer of API-specific code running over the Delos platform. The platform provides support for common but complex functionality such as consensus, local storage, backup, etc. As a result, building, deploying, and operating new databases with custom APIs is vastly simplified: much of the code and operational tooling between databases is identical.
Such a separation allowed the ZooKeeper team at Facebook to start implementing a ZooKeeper clone (called Zelos) over the Delos platform. In principle, the ZooKeeper team could focus on implementing the complex ZooKeeper API as a Delos database and migrate its customers. The DelosTable team could similarly focus on satisfying use cases that required a Table API. Meanwhile, a Delos platform team would continue to improve low-level code for consensus and storage to obtain better reliability and performance. Each team could focus on its own goals and core competence while amortizing the cost of developing and operating a complex service. In other words, we would have happy engineers!
However, we immediately ran into a number of challenges. While the large majority of the code required by Zelos was identical to DelosTable, it still required a degree of customization. For example, ZooKeeper requires a session-ordering property from its ordering protocol stronger than any other system. In other cases, the Zelos team required changes to the platform (for example, batching support to match ZooKeeper performance) and were blocked on the Delos platform team’s cycles. Somehow by linking together these different teams via a single codebase, we ended up with unhappy engineers.
Virtualization saves the day… again! “Use a good idea again.” — Butler Lampson, Hints for Computer System Design
To break this logjam, we invented an abstraction called a log-structured protocol: a protocol layered over the VirtualLog. Each protocol consists of a log-structured protocol engine (or just engine) executing on each end-host, interacting with its counterparts via the VirtualLog. The Delos platform code is organized as a collection of such engines, each of which provides specific functionality. Each database (such as DelosTable or Zelos) can run over a custom set of these protocols.
In a sense, this approach represents a form of virtualization. Each log-structured protocol is a replicated virtual state machine over the VirtualLog. Rather than build the functionality of a database as a single replicated state machine, we modularize it into multiple, reusable virtual state machines. A log-structured protocol can only access its own partition of the local database state, enabling isolation between protocols.
In addition, log-structured protocols — as the name indicates — are also protocols that can be layered in a stack between the application and the VirtualLog. Such protocols add functionality above the VirtualLog in the same way that network protocols do in a conventional point-to-point-network. New log entries flow down the stack towards the VirtualLog, while existing entries in the log flow up the stack towards the database. As with a protocol in a conventional network stack, an engine can piggyback headers on log entries generated by ones above. It can filter or reorder log entries before they reach higher layers; and batch, encrypt, compress, or other mutate entries before they reach lower layers.
Log-structured protocols in Delos enabled multiple teams with disparate goals, customers, and philosophies to leverage a common codebase. We were able to unlock innovation by individual engineers on both teams, who could write new protocols without worrying about side-effects and interactions with other code. For example:
We production databases without downtime simply by adding new engines. For example, the DelosTable team deployed a LogBackupEngine that coordinated the upload of the VirtualLog to a backup store. incrementally upgraded We across databases, repurposing the production-ready stack of DelosTable for bootstrapping Zelos; for example, Zelos reused the DelosTable ViewTrackingEngine for tracking the number of durable copies of the database. reused code We for each database via specific engines. For example, the Zelos team enabled stronger session ordering guarantees by inserting an additional SessionOrderingEngine into its stack. customized behavior We across databases by developing common engines. For example, the Zelos team implemented a BatchingEngine that worked seamlessly to improve DelosTable performance as well. improved performance Finally, we within each database, enabling support for passive read-only replicas that execute a stripped-down subset of the protocol stack. customized roles
Further, log-structured protocols allowed engineers on the Delos platform team to focus on the challenging “last mile” for consistency and durability; both databases immediately benefit from changes protecting the platform against corner case failures. In addition, oncall for engineers is significantly simplified by the existence of a single, unified toolchain for the two databases.
In a sense, virtualization has provided the same benefits for replicated databases as it has in other areas of systems: faster development and deployment cycles, as well as simpler operations. Innovation and impact is democratized across multiple teams and roles: any engineer can write a log-structured protocol for a new feature without needing to reason about complex failure scenarios. Ultimately, virtualization has had the most impact on the metric that truly matters: our engineers are happy!


One of the primary challenges faced by contact centers is collecting customer feedback from different channels and deriving insights from them. Either there are low response rates or confusing answers. So, understanding customers’ sentiments communicated via multiple mediums is quiet challenging.
In an effort to unify data from numerous mediums for the expediency of contact centers, Salmat Digital, a provider of integrated digital communications solutions, has launched new cloud-based feedback aggregator software, Listen.
As cited by Salmat Digital in a statement, Listen is cloud-based software solution that aims to eliminate the challenges associated with understanding customers’ sentiments communicated via a range of mediums.
Developed in collaboration with customer intelligence software vendor, Allegiance, the new Listen software is capable of aggregating customer feedback from different channels, such as e-mail, IVR (interactive voice response), SMS (short message service), social media, and QR codes (quick response codes).
With the help of Listen software, customers’ feedback can be gathered, sliced and diced by non-technical users - to create actionable insights with ready-to-go reports. This will facilitate businesses to communicate as well as act on customer insights in a better and efficient way.
One of the interesting features of Listen software is that it can manage unstructured data, converting information such as customer verbatim comments into clear and actionable insights through a web-based interface.
Peter Anson, chief executive officer, Salmat Digital, said in a statement, “Listen supports the development and implementation of an organizations customer experience strategy, making the execution of multi-channel feedback programs easier.”
Anson added, “We understand from speaking to our clients that they require solutions to help them navigate through the data overload and quickly deliver insights to keep their business ahead of the competition.”
Even though, data is capable of delivering an infinite number of insights, it is quite challenging to aggregate. According to Aberdeen Group, nearly 40 percent of firms list ‘data silos’ as one of their top challenges in data driven marketing. Only few marketers collaborate with other departments on an ad hoc basis. So, Listen software from Salmat can be a solution.


Marijuana Moment reports..….A bill to legalize psychedelics in New York has been significantly revised, with new provisions to allow for the possession, gifting and sanctioned use of natural plants and fungi in ceremonial and therapeutic settings for adults 21 and older.
The amended legislation from Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D) was filed on Monday, setting the stage for legislative action in the 2023 session.
As originally introduced last year, the bill would have simply removed psilocybin and psilocyn from the state’s list of controlled substances, effectively legalizing the compounds.
Now the measure provides a more robust regulatory framework for a wider range of psychedelics, and it contains several protections for people who use the entheogenic substances in compliance with state law.
Under the legislation, which has been recommitted to the Assembly Health Committee, the “possession, use, cultivation, production, creation, analysis, gifting, exchange, or sharing” of psychedelics like psilocybin, ibogaine and mescaline would be legal for adults 21 and older.
It would also authorize the “supervision, guidance, peers engaging in risk mitigation, religious, spiritual, or related supportive services” for psychedelics, with or without remuneration.


Stakeholder analysis is a step you must undertake to understand and evaluate the stakeholders for your project. This step is often neglected, skipped or taken for granted. It is easy to overlook because humans tends to make assumptions for stakeholders. I will loosely classify stakeholders into these categories. You must take note to manage and include these stakeholders from the start of project.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Stakeholders can be divided into the good, the bad and the ugly! You need to focus on gathering these good stakeholders who can play the roles well.
Sponsor to support and orchestra your project vision Functional roles to implement your project objectives Influencer to motivate and champion your project goals
Bad and ugly stakeholders are attracted to all projects. This is inevitable and steps must be taken to understand and mitigate their influence. Sometimes, decision must be made to swap these negative stakeholders out.
Required Representation
In every project, it is not surprising to see the wrong stakeholder leading the project. Halfway through the project, you realise a representative is missing for a function group. You may even notice that this repeats into the next project. Thus, it is important to start the project with the required stakeholders with a minimum of 2 representatives. Why? This is because all humans have downtime and you need backup to ensure continuity.
Stakeholder analysis is an essential steps for project success. Identifying positive stakeholders helps to drive your project goals. You must learn to analyse and downplay bad and ugly stakeholders. Lastly, you need to ensure at least 2 representation of stakeholders in your projects.


According to Saylor, regulators are likely to crack down on the crypto sector by opting to ban any innovations, a scenario he suggested would benefit assets like Bitcoin (BTC), he said during an interview with Natalie Brunell on November 14.
He stated that Bitcoin, as the ‘apex’ cryptocurrency, is the ultimate store of value likely to gain in the existence of effective regulations while suggesting that jurisdictions can also opt to be progressive in crypto laws.
“Regulators will either move much more aggressively in a fairly regressive conservative approach, and that means they will just shut down all the other crypto innovations, in which case Bitcoin will still be a beneficiary because in a conservative world, Bitcoin is the apex crypto property and people will simply hold it as a long-term store of value,” Saylor said.
Progressive regulation approach
At the same time, Saylor noted that regulators could adopt a progressive approach by providing clarity in the sector. For instance, he pointed out that clarity can be beneficial by offering guidance on registering crypto products to avoid the FTX exchange fate. According to Saylor:
“The other extreme would be the regulators act progressively, and they provide a path to the registration of a digital commodity, a path to registration of a digital security, a path to registration of a digital token, a path to registration of a digital exchange and a path to registration of a digital currency.”
Saylor’s stand on Bitcoin’s sustainability in the wake of possible regulations aligns with his bullish stand on the flagship cryptocurrency. As reported by Finbold, Saylor has previously termed Bitcoin as a channel toward freedom.
Impact of lack of regulations
Interestingly, Saylor blamed the lack of regulations for recent events in the crypto space, stating that the government has adopted a slow response.
“A lot of the pain that the Bitcoin community has absorbed is because of the slow response of the regulators. If the regulators had moved more aggressively in 2018 or 2019 you
wouldn’t have seen all of these, you know, crypto casinos spin up the way they’ve spun up,” he added.
Saylor generally termed the FTX collapse that was triggered by the liquidity crunch an expensive financial lesson.
Saylor’s take on SBF
Additionally, in an interview with
Yahoo Finance on November 15, Saylor shared his opinion regarding Bankman-Fried for overseeing the FTX collapse. Interestingly, Saylor drew comparisons between Bankman-Fried and former stockbroker, commonly known as the “Wolf of Wall Street,” Jordan Belfort.
“I mean, in fact, in a sense, SBF is like the Jordan Belfort of the crypto era. Instead of ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ they’ll make a movie called ‘The King of Crypto’.<…> He was working to corrupt regulations and corrupt the political process. When you have actors that use corrupt counterfeit, stolen money in order to undermine the industry, it’s not good for anybody. So yeah, I mean, I think that people need to decipher this,” Saylor said.
It is worth noting that amid the FTX crisis, the United States is among the jurisdictions working on pieces of legislation to manage the space. Some of the regulations include the comprehensive crypto bill by Wyoming senator Cynthia Lummis.
Indeed, after the FTX saga, the White House is among the entities that have called for the sector’s regulation.
Watch the full interview below: Featured image via Natalie Brunell YouTube


Working with science data can be tough! Real datasets are often complex, with each type of data bringing along it its own needs for quality control, management, and analysis. Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone!
The Stanford Libraries and the Lane Medical Library are very excited to announce that the Fall 2022 Gear-Up will focus on dealing with real data in the sciences. This event will consist of a series of virtual and hybrid workshops over 3 days, Monday - Wednesday October 10-12, culminating in an in-person research symposium and social hour on Thursday, October 13, 2022.


Phase-contrast (PC) MRI is a non-invasive technique to assess cardiovascular blood flow. However, this technique is not accurate for instance at the carotid bifurcation due to turbulent and disturbed blood flow in atherosclerotic disease. Flow quantification using conventional PC MRI distal to stenotic vessels suffers from intravoxel dephasing and flow artifacts. Previous studies have shown that short echo time (TE) potentially decreases the phase errors. In this work, a novel 3D cine UTE-PC imaging method is designed to measure the blood velocity in the carotid bifurcation using a UTE center-out radial trajectory and short TE time compared to standard PC MRI sequences. With a new phase error correction technique based on autocorrelation method, the proposed 3D cine UTE-PC has the potential to achieve high accuracy for quantification and visualization of velocity jet distal to a stenosis. Herein, we test the feasibility of the method in determining accurate flow waveforms in normal volunteers.


As a homeowner or a business owner, when you install solar panels on your property or place of business, you help combat greenhouse gas emissions which are a primary cause of global warming, and you contribute to reducing our collective dependence on fossil fuels.
Producing electricity from solar panels rather than burning fossil fuels offers significant public health benefits.
Coal and natural gas plants cause air and water pollution which has been directly linked to breathing problems, neurological damage, heart attacks, and cancer, just to name a few.
Research in the United States has proven that replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources of producing energy like solar power has reduced premature mortality and overall healthcare costs in many states.
To review this in a better perspective, the negative economic impact caused by using fossil fuels to produce energy is estimated at between $361.7 and $886.5 billion, or between 2.5 percent and 6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP); according to a publication titled Economic value of U.S. fossil fuel electricity health impacts.
This is stunning!
Producing energy using solar panels have no direct association with air pollution emissions.
Some might even go further to state that solar energy requires essentially no water to operate and does not pollute water resources or strain supply by competing with agriculture, drinking water systems, or other essential water needs.
Fossil fuels mining practices, however, can have significant negative impacts on water resources due to environmentally destructive mining processes that cause deforestation, excavated mountains and pollute water resources.


Abstract
Emoji increasingly feature alongside written language in interpersonal communication. Boutet et al. (2021) showed that negative-face emoji led to a negativity effect on perceptions of message tone and senders' mood. We extended their design, considering the role of non-face emoji and the impact of text content and emoji on message clarity. We utilised a 3 (sentence valence: negative, neutral, positive) × 5 (emoji type: no emoji, negative face, neutral face, positive face, object emoji) quasi-experimental design and online survey method. Sixty participants each processed 60 stimuli counterbalanced across conditions, rating messages' emotional tone and clarity, and senders’ warmth and emotional state. Cumulative link mixed models were used to analyse responses. We found that sentence valence and emoji type interact, influencing message emotionality and clarity, and perceived sender warmth and state. The congruency of text and emoji was particularly important; results showed that incongruent emoji detracted from message clarity vs. no emoji (or congruent emoji). Congruent emoji typically amplified emotional perceptions of messages and senders. Object emoji were most influential when text was either neutral or positive. Results were consistent with models such as the EASI framework (Van Kleef, 2009), and suggest that compositionality extends to representations of text + emoji.
Keywords communication comprehension emoji emotion impression formation reading ASJC Scopus subject areas Artificial Intelligence Cognitive Neuroscience Human-Computer Interaction Neuroscience (miscellaneous) Applied Psychology Computer Science Applications


Thanksgiving Day, which falls this year on November 24, is a federal holiday in the United States, meaning that many, if not most, government offices and public institutions are closed.
While banks are not required to close on holidays designated by the U.S. Federal Reserve system, they usually do or operate on reduced hours.
Still, ATMs and online banking will operate normally, so customers can withdraw money and manage their accounts over the holiday, which always falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Call centers for some banks may also stay open on Thanksgiving Day.
However, many bank transactions—including fund transfers—won't start processing until the next business day, which would be November 25 (Black Friday), the day after Thanksgiving. If you have bills to pay or other important financial responsibilities, it's worth getting these out of the way by Wednesday to avoid any headaches.
Most banks are open on Black Friday during normal business hours. But it's worth bearing in mind that in around half of U.S. states, the day after Thanksgiving is considered a state holiday. Those states include California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Bank branches that operate within other businesses, such as in supermarkets and on university campuses, may also be closed due to the locations being closed.
Here is a list of which banks will be closed on Thanksgiving. Contact your local bank to confirm its normal hours of operation.
Banks closed on Thanksgiving 2022 Ameris Bank Bank of America California Bank & Trust Capital One Citibank Columbia Bank Community First Bank Citizens Bank F&M Bank First Citizens Bank First Commonwealth Bank First Merchants Bank Fifth Third Bank Great Western Bank HSBC J.P. Morgan Chase KeyBank Kitsap Bank M&T Bank NBT Bank Peoples Bank PNC Bank Regions Santander Bank SunTrust TD Bank The Dime Bank Truist UMB Union Bank Wells Fargo Westfield Bank WSFS Bank Zions Bank Other federal holidays in the U.S. when many banks tend to be closed or operate on reduced hours New Year's Day (January 1) Martin Luther King Jr. (January 17) Presidents' Day (February 21) Memorial Day (May 30) Juneteenth (June 20) Independence Day (July 4) Labor Day (September 5) Columbus Day (October 10) Veterans Day (November 11) Christmas Day (December 25) Boxing Day (December 26) New Year's Eve (December 31)


Abstract
This paper presents theoretical predictions for the excess polarizabilities upon excitation from the ground state to the first dipole-allowed excited state (1
1B u of some conjugated oligomers. The excess polarizability was obtained by simulating the Stark shift, which was predicted by the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) with the hybrid Becke-3 Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) potential. The Stark shift in solution was simulated by employing the non-equilibrium integral equation formalism polarizable continuum model (IEFPCM). All the model molecules considered in this study were fully optimized by the Hartree-Fock (HF) method and the density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP potential, respectively. For diphenylpolyenes, the excess polarizabilities displayed by the DFT/B3LYP-optimized geometries are more reasonable than those displayed by the HF-optimized geometries when compared with the experimental results. However, this feature is not clearly demonstrated by our results in the cases of oligo(phenylenevinylene)s (OPVs). Keywords Diphenylpolyenes Oligo(phenylenevinylene)s The Stark shift The excess polarizability ASJC Scopus subject areas Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Organic Chemistry


Accommodation is often a complex and challenging subject for employers to navigate. In Ontario, every person has the right to equal treatment in employment without discrimination based on protected grounds under the Ontario
Human Rights Code (the “ Code”). Accordingly, employers have an obligation to accommodate employees who are prevented from performing their duties and responsibilities as a result of a prohibited ground.
Employers have a duty to accommodate to the point of undue hardship. Accommodation offered does not have to be perfect, and it does not have to be exactly what the employee has asked for, but it does have to be reasonable. However, employers often find it difficult to determine which accommodations are reasonable when faced with requests based on grounds which they are not accustomed to accommodating, or which require them to balance potentially competing legal obligations. What constitutes reasonable accommodation is a case-by-case assessment. Similarly, the undue hardship assessment considers different factors in different provinces. However, health and safety requirements are always key considerations.
Generally, the term “accommodation” in the workplace context leads employers to think of disability-related limitations. However, family status is a protected ground that has been receiving increasing attention from legal decision-makers.
The Town of Ajax v Ajax Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 1092 [ Ajax], a 2019 Ontario arbitration decision, helpfully clarifies what may constitute family-status discrimination and the extent to which employers must take employees’ childcare obligations into account while accommodating other limitations.
The duty to accommodate has both a procedural and a substantive component. Procedurally, employers must obtain all relevant information and take appropriate steps to assess an employee’s needs. Substantively, employers must implement the actual accommodation in a timely manner, subject to undue hardship.
The Decision
In
Ajax, a firefighter filed a grievance alleging that the Town of Ajax violated the Code by assigning her to the day shift while accommodating her pregnancy, rather than allowing her to continue on her regular 24-hour shift.
In Ajax, firefighters perform both emergency and non-emergency duties during their 24-hour shifts. Firefighters perform about 90% of their non-emergency duties during the day and primarily respond to emergencies at night. Notably, the Town must always maintain a minimum complement of firefighters for responding to emergencies.
After discovering that she was pregnant, the greivor gave the Town a doctor’s note stating that she needed to be “off truck due to pregnancy” because she was unable to respond to emergencies due to the potential risk of harm to her unborn baby. The Town’s policy was that firefighters who cannot respond to emergencies for an extended period are to be accommodated with modified duties on the day shift. However, the grievor requested to remain on the 24-hour shift in order to maintain her existing daycare arrangements, which offered flexible part-time childcare that allowed her and her husband, who was also a firefighter and worked on opposite shifts from the grievor, to maximize time with their son.
The Town asked the firefighter to contact twenty daycares to inquire about availability. The grievor reported that three daycares had availability, but that they were not ideal because they did not offer flexible part-time care that would work with the day-shift schedule. Nonetheless, the Town concluded that childcare was not an issue in accommodating the greivor because she indicated that full-time daycare was available. Consequently, the Town accommodated the grievor by assigning her modified duties during the day shift, which she subsequently grieved.
On behalf of the greivor, the Ajax Professional Firefighters Association (the “Association”) submitted that the Town had failed to properly accommodate her pregnancy-related limitations, thereby discriminating against her on the basis of sex, because “an accommodation provided to address one discriminatory impact cannot be reasonable if it results in a discriminatory impact on a different ground”. In particular, the Association argued that the Town failed to properly consider the grievor’s request to be accommodated on-shift and discriminated against her on the basis of family status by assigning her to the day shift. The Town, on the other hand, submitted that it provided the grievor with reasonable accommodation and that employees must accept reasonable accommodation, even if they would prefer to be accommodated differently. Specifically, the Town argued that the grievor’s desire to have her son continue in his existing daycare was a preference rather than a need, and that there was no meaningful work for her to perform during the night if she stayed on the 24-hour shift.
The arbitrator found that the Town had provided the grievor with reasonable accommodation in the circumstances, and dismissed the grievance. The arbitrator noted that there was no dispute that the
Code obliged the Town to accommodate the grievor’s pregnancy. Further, the arbitrator found that the Town fulfilled the procedural aspect of its duty to accommodate because it seriously considered all relevant circumstances in determining how to accommodate the greivor, including her childcare obligations and the availability of daycare. The arbitrator also found that the Town fulfilled its substantive duty to accommodate by assigning the grievor modified duties on the day shift that were consistent with her limitations. Moreover, the arbitrator found that it was reasonable for the Town to assign the grievor to the day shift because she could not respond to emergencies, there was no meaningful work for her to perform at night, she could not be part of the minimum complement, and it did not constitute discrimination based on family status in the circumstances. The arbitrator found that no accommodation would have allowed the grievor to fulfill the essential duties of her firefighter position, and the grievor’s demand to stay on the 24-hour shift was effectively a demand for a “make-work” assignment, which the Code does not require employers to provide.
In concluding that there was no family status discrimination, the Arbitrator applied the
Misetich test. The Misetich test was established by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario to replace a more restrictive test for family status discrimination developed by the Federal Court of Appeal. The test established by the Federal Court of Appeal required, among other factors, a demonstration that a legal obligation related to childcare is engaged, and that reasonable steps to self-accommodate have been taken prior to seeking accommodation from the employers.
Under the
Misetich test, to constitute discrimination based on family status a workplace rule must constitute a “real disadvantage to the parent/child relationship and the responsibilities that flow from that relationship, and/or the employee’s work”. The employee is not required to self-accommodate, as under the test established by the Federal Court of Appeal, but the impact of the workplace rule is assessed contextually, which may involve considering other supports available to the employee. In applying this test, the arbitrator found that the grievor did not suffer a real disadvantage because her childcare obligations “did not prevent her from attending work on a day shift schedule, and being scheduled on day shift did not prevent her from meeting her childcare obligations.” Thus, the arbitrator dismissed the grievance. Takeaways
The
Ajax decision provides employers with useful guidance on how far employers’ duty to accommodate extends, both with respect to accommodation based on family status, and accommodation more generally. First, Ajax sets out the principle that the duty to accommodate contains procedural and substantive components. Further, even if accommodation is required, employees must still be able to fulfill the essential duties of their roles. Employers need not provide employees with “make-work” assignments nor hire an additional employee to work alongside the accommodated employee to fulfill their duty to accommodate.
Ultimately,
Ajax affirms the principle that accommodation does not have to be perfect, and it does not have to be the employee’s preferred accommodation. As long as the accommodation is reasonable—that is, as long as the accommodation meets the employee’s restrictions—the employer can accommodate in a way that best suits its operational requirements. This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues. This information is not intended as legal advice.


feel an urge to talk to her before we go. My colleague tells me her name is Dolma, and that she’s deaf. I approach her, hoping to communicate my care. The shack where she sits is on a slope; it is held upright with reeds, bamboo, and plastic bags. I hope it houses animals but I don’t see any livestock around.
The day the earth shook
I approach Dolma and she welcomes me into the shack. The single room holds a mat, a bed, and clothes piled on a plastic sheet. It is smoky from the fire burning inside and simultaneously damp from the leaking roof. She holds my hand and sits with me in what I now realize is her home. Before the earthquake, she and her husband Sarmalal lived in a small house. When the quake destroyed it, they moved into their animal shed.
The day the earth shook
While neighbors rebuilt their houses, the elderly couple sat nearby and begged for help. Although Medair offered to assist them, Sarmalal was afraid at first to invest their small savings in construction, which was required. Instead he and Dolma kept watching as others rebuilt their homes. She imagined them living in that damp, smoky shed until they died.
Old but not forgotten
Since this story was written, Dolma and Sarmalal have moved into their completed earthquake-resilient home near their son, Biju, who helped build it alongside other Medair-trained masons. The elderly couple now have a safe place to call home. Thank you for making this possible.


Patrick is an accounting & economics graduate, a Cryptocurrency enthusiast, and a Blockchain technology fanatic. When not crafting informative pieces on any of the above subjects, he will be researching on how the Blockchain technology can transform the world, particularly the financial space.
Polygon SDK comes in diverse modules which allow developers to be more creative with their own customized solutions that can work on the blockchain technology.
Polygon, an Ethereum-based stacking solution, previously called Matic, has launched the long-awaited Polygon SDK which allows app developers to use Ethereum virtual machines to deploy chains that are compatible with Ethereum in an easier way.
The launching of Polygon SDK’s is officially the start of the transition process where Ethereum is expected to become multi-chain-based, also called the Internet of Blockchains. Currently, the Ethereum network is by far the most utilized, most popular, and the most appealing to app developers. Already, the Ethereum network has many asset bridges and Layer-2 solutions set to revolutionize it. Thanks to natural/ organic, the network has been interacting with other networks, making it interoperational.
While the Ethereum network is known to be a highly interoperable blockchain-based network in the world today, its primary goal was different altogether. Its core focus is to provide an environment where data can be shared securely and homogeneously for L2 networks.
About Polygon SDK
Polygon SDK is typically designed to benefit and thrive on the Ethereum network. Polygon SDK comes in diverse modules which allow developers to be more creative with their own customized solutions that can work on the blockchain technology. The Polygon SDK launch is a momentous occasion in Ethereum’s history, Polygon’s Co-creator Sandeep Nailwal stated.
He noted that there was now a stronger need for networks that can easily interact to enhance interoperability. This is particularly so with the advancement of Ethereum to Ethereum 2.0. The co-founder further said that with Polygon SDK, it was a different ball game, where Ethereum’s future needs were being addressed, including easier deployment and Layer 2 interaction.
Polygon’s Planned Improvement
After the initial release, Polygon SDK will keep advancing by integrating sustainable implementations like HotStuff, Tendermint, and new database features. More expected improvements will include data availability services and interchain messaging. Besides this, a plugin will be developed to allow contributions that can improve the network for anyone.
Notable Investor Backs the Polygon Project
Mack Cuban, a recently converted anti crusader, has changed his stance on cryptocurrencies and digital assets in general, to become a vocal supporter. When Elon Musk declined to accept Bitcoin due to its impact on the environment, Cuban his sports venture, the Dallas Mavericks, will keep using the digital coin as a form of payment.
Cuban recently acknowledged that cryptocurrencies have lately become popular and, thanks for the high utility that has, in turn, resulted in increased demand for digital assets, an indicator for a brighter future in the market.
Polygon has been performing marvelously in the recent past. Messari’s data indicates that MATIC, Polygon’s native digital asset, has grown by 9535%. Additionally, more users are turning to Polygon to escape Ethereum’s exorbitant fees. A recent article published on Cointelegraph indicated that in only one-week Polygon users had risen by 75,000, generating a volume of about $1 million. The growth indicates increasing demand for Layer 2 solutions.


Children’s eye screening must be a periodic health activity to save them from future complications, Dr Alfred Gardemor, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA), said on Thursday.
Without frequent eye care, potential eye disorders may not be detected and treated on time, which may affect children’s performance in school and their general well-being.
The fortnight initiative is a collaborative campaign to promote access to specialised eye care and draw attention to vision health.
It also challenges the public and policymakers to focus on vision as a health issue, which forms a critical component of human well-being but is often neglected.
Speaking on the topic; “Children’s Vision and Eye Health”, Dr Gardemor noted that the first schedule of eye screening for children should be at six months, and subsequently at three years, and then six years before the child enters school.
He referred to Ben Carson, an American politician and neurosurgeon, who had eye problems when he was little and because it was detected early, he was treated and he became the one who performed a first-time successful separation of conjoined twins at the back of the head.
Meanwhile, Dr Kwame Oben-Nyarko, the Chief Executive Officer of Third Eye Care and Vision Centre urged the public to refrain from acquiring spectacles from the wayside table-top dealers.
He said spectacles (glasses) were visual aids to enhance the quality of vision and protect the eyes from exposure to direct contact to several environmental factors, which could be detrimental to the eye.
“Therefore buying it from the wayside vendor could end up destroying your eyes”.
Dr Oben-Nyarko urged the public to acquire spectacles from either an eye clinic or an optical shop, stressing that the eye clinic usually had departments that tested for the spectacle prescriptions after several examinations by tests by the optometrist.
“Even though these processes may sound cumbersome, it is good to know the needs of a person before prescribing a spectacle,” he said.


Tips for Managing your Truck Fleet Operating Costs-2
Welcome back to part #2 in our series of ideas to help you more effectively manage your lift trucks.
Identify and understand the various operations that lift trucks operate within inside your facility. Most include shipping/receiving, staging and some form of product storage. Within these operations we often find various environments ranging from normal ambient temperatures to far extremes that are common to foundries, cold storage or areas that have high concentrations of dust within the air. Each of these environments should be individually evaluated to understand the usage, risks and specific maintenance related issues that are experienced while using lift trucks within these areas. Discuss these operating environments with lift truck professionals that can help you equip your lift trucks with optional specifications that protect or seal components from being exposed to these conditions. Proper protection will result in fewer repairs and reduced downtime. Are you needing more space for storage or manufacturing and considering outside warehousing or adding on to your existing facility? What could you do with the space gained from narrowing existing 12’+ wide aisles to approximately 6’ or less? This type of space savings is cost effectively available with the proper type of lift truck. Consult with your Safety Director or insurance provider if unsure if special UL ratings are required for operation in combustible areas. Identify door (or rack tunnel) height differences that could pose overhead clearance problems for tall masted lift trucks traveling through the openings Understand the floor surface and dock conditions. Rough floors or improper docks are often the cause of premature and costly tire and wheel replacement. Investing in long term repairs of these items often reduce periodic short-term equipment related expenses. Can two oncoming lift trucks safely pass within the same aisle width? Identify if some aisles are narrower than others and evaluate the condition of the rack in these areas. Damaged rack uprights are often indicators that aisles are too tight or need for lift truck operator training. Can building columns be positioned so they’re hidden within the pallet rack instead of within the travel aisle? Manage the housekeeping in the areas where lift trucks travel ensuring that broken pallets, shrink wrap and other debris is not subject to being run over. Debris lodged between small diameter wheels cause the wheels to skid instead of rolling and result in flat spots. Shrink wrap and packing materials often wrap around the lift truck wheels and can create axle seal leaks. Could productivity be improved, and handling costs reduced with the use of a lift truck that is designed to transport two or more pallets at the same time? Could an electric pallet jack or tugger (approximately a third of the cost of a lift truck) be used to horizontally transport materials? For repetitious shuttles, could an automatic guided vehicle without the expense of an operator provide the return on investment that makes sense to your company? Protect your employees and company by ensuring that lift trucks are equipped with legible and accurate capacity plates (also reflecting any special length forks or attachments that might be temporarily installed). While you’re looking, verify that all safety decals are installed and legible (these are low hanging fruit for OSHA inspectors looking for citations). While you’re at it, pickup a can of OEM touchup spray paint to keep your equipment looking fresh, while also helping to raise accountability when mysterious scrapes and gouges appear. Invest in thorough operator training every three years or sooner if needed. Don’t attempt to save money by cutting corners in this area. Statistics prove that trained lift truck operators reduce accidents and maintenance costs. Training should include the proper steps for conducting equipment pre-operational inspections (an OSHA requirement). Be sure to promptly address noted issues. Neglecting to take action will erode the trust of your operators and nullify the disciplines that you are putting in to practice. Know the competency of your lift truck operators and utilize the technology on most newer trucks that allow you to limit travel and lift speeds until the operator is proficient with each specific type of equipment that they are trained to operate. For electric users, training should also include proper charging and battery care that is relevant for your specific battery technology (i.e. flooded, maintenance free, lithium-ion, opportunity charging or fast charging) being used. If your operation is large, consider if battery charging stations should be decentralized and located within specific departments or in a centralized charging area. Charging batteries during off peak times normally result in lower electric charges from your local utility company. Reducing fuel consumption for users of internal combustion forklift models represent another source of potential cost savings. Many newer model lift trucks have customizable operating parameters that can control acceleration rates and top travel speeds. Finding the right balance of these parameters normally result in fuel savings, reduced tire wear, and less equipment damage.
Our last segment in this series will be dedicated to understanding the potential benefits associated with equipment telemetry devices.
Your questions, suggestions for future topics and overall feedback on the value of these articles are always welcome. Please route your comments through the “Contact Us” link at the top of our website. Once there, select the “Satisfaction-Contact the President” drop down option from the Department menu. Let your conscience be your guide from that point.


Few things are more frustrating than walking to your car in the morning and discovering a flat tire or a dead battery. However, there are simple and familiar solutions for these problems, and they typically don’t cost you much more than inconvenience. Now when it’s time to take a relaxing dip in your pool and you hear a strange sound or the water isn’t as clear as it should be, this scenario could be a larger cause for concern. If you noticed your pool’s performance is struggling it is time to address any potential issues and have your pool repaired. Here are some common pool repairs, how to recognize them, and what they mean.


For a study, researchers sought to ascertain the absence of a pre-procedure genitourinary exam during a virtual consultation affected the chance that an in-person vasectomy would be effective. Although COVID-19 has sped up virtual consultations at many institutions, the AUA Vasectomy guidelines still recommend in-person examinations wherever feasible. They predicted that there would be no discernible difference in the percentage of patients who successfully had an office consultation vasectomy between those who underwent an exam and those who were only observed.
A size-matched, randomly chosen control group that attended in-office vasectomy consultations from April to December 2020 was retrospectively examined and contrasted with the virtual vasectomy consultations. The in-office bilateral vasectomy was completed as the main result. The demographic baselines were contrasted. Fisher’s exact test and the Student’s t-test were used to comparing categorical and continuous variables.
In-office vasectomy was requested by 153 of the 211 patients who had virtual vasectomy counseling throughout the research period. The 153 vasectomies from the cohort of in-person consultations were compared to them. There were no noticeable demographic variations between the in-person and online consult groups. The completion rates of in-office vasectomy were 97.4% (149/153) in the virtual consult group and 98.7% (151/153) in the in-office consultation cohort (
P=.68), showing no statistically significant difference.
The rates of completed in-office vasectomy remained relatively the same depending on the consulting platform, indicating that a physical examination before the treatment is unnecessary to determine if it would be effective. In a youthful and active population, telehealth should be used as an extra platform to increase access to male contraceptive methods.


SRD 2.12 does not apply to the assessment of the remaining draft LPS in the Southern Region to avoid any additional delays to the assessment process. A similar approach was taken for a recent amendment to the Northern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy.
Amendments made to regional land use strategies during the LPS assessment can potentially complicate the process and require the Tasmanian Planning Commission to undertake a re-assessment of the LPS creating further delays for implementation of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme.
SRD 2.12 can still be applied to amendments to the remaining interim planning schemes and amendments to approved LPSs.


14 May 2021 | On target with sustainability goals
POTATO processor Lamb Weston has achieved most of the sustainability goals it set itself for 2020, its recent 2019-2020 report reveals.
The company has now unveiled its 2030 Sustainability Agenda.
Compared to the reference year 2008, 90% of its frozen products are pre-fried in healthier vegetable oil, low in saturated fat. Furthermore, Lamb Weston / Meijer reused, recycled, or recovered 99.9% of its processing by-products and waste streams.
In the six European factories, the direct CO2 emissions generated per kg of product are reduced by 42%, whereas its product carbon footprint -from field to freezer- was reduced by 22%.
CEO Lamb Weston / Meijer Marc Schroeder said: “We consider it our responsibility to have an active and leading role in creating a better future. We want to ensure that growing and processing potatoes remains possible for many generations to come. The humble and nutritious potato is key to everything we do, and we are always seeing possibilities in potatoes.”
Meijer released its Sustainability Agenda 2030 contains three key challenge:
1.To support consumers in their transition to a balanced diet. 2. To contribute to a fully circular food and agriculture business. 3. To reduce its impact on the planet. The company will achieve this by further reducing its carbon and water footprint, and source sustainably, focusing on the following three key areas: Sustainable Operations, Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable Supply Chain. Lamb Weston / Meijer started in 2020 an employee engagement program with 2% of its workforce: the Changemakers. In the coming three years this Changemakers group will be extended to 10% of the employees who help build and share the sustainability stories and guide their teams to better understand how they can contribute to the Lamb Weston / Meijer sustainability goals.


Intercom products address a crucial part of the security, communications and convenience needs in both residential and business sectors. They have evolved over time alongside the “leapfrog” development in technologies created for better and safer living environments.
The transition from analog to IP technologies
The intercom market is witnessing a significant transition from analog to IP. Traditional analog systems feature relatively poor audio and image quality and limited functionality. For example, they cannot be accessed using a mobile app or networked management systems. Although analog systems are often a more economical option, more manufacturers and installers have recommended their customers shift to IP-based intercoms for their wider range of capabilities – including higher image resolution, mobile control, remote operation, and a series of smart functions.
According to Allied Market Research
, the IP intercom market is projected to experience robust growth. The global IP Intercom industry generated $2.2 billion in 2020, and is anticipated to generate $4.9 billion by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2030. [1]
IP intercoms bring a new level of convenience
Mobile control
IP intercoms let owners receive calls, play video, and open locks from anywhere through just a simple touch. For example, people often receive calls on their mobile devices for package deliveries or other services when they’re not at home. IP intercoms, however, allow users to give temporary access remotely to those who need it, just using a simple mobile application. This is more convenient and much safer than manually giving out passwords or key cards.
User-friendly interfaces
IP intercoms commonly provide a user-friendly screen with a clearly visible interface, simple touch interaction, intuitive operation, and multi-functional information display (e.g., weather, news, announcements, etc.). These easy-to-use features help get modern consumers accustomed to using IP intercoms since they operate very similarly to mobile phones.
High image quality
Compared to purely analog solutions, IP intercoms provide excellent imaging with higher resolutions and wider field of view. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and night vision are also supported to help users see clearly despite challenging light conditions, such as direct sunlight or high contrast environments during the day and darkness in the evening and night time.
Intelligent authentication
IP intercoms also support multiple access methods, from ID cards and PIN codes to biometric recognition. Additionally, following recent trends in contactless solutions, IP intercoms simplify the action of opening doors while addressing common concerns about bacteria and viruses introduced by physical touch.
All-in-one management
IP intercoms also offer opportunities for integration with other security systems, such as video and alarms. A unified control center ensures all-in-one linkage among various devices and systems and facilitates convenient device operation and management, improving security for businesses and home owners.
Enter Hikvision
Hikvision’s IP intercoms serve a wide range of scenarios including apartment buildings, single-family homes, and SMB offices.
In residential applications, these advanced intercoms combine a better user experience with elegant design to suit any decor, as well as a touch-friendly screen for easy operation. Users can remotely open doors and talk to visitors by simply tapping the Hik-Connect mobile app on their smartphone or tablet.
For Business applications, Hikvision’s IP intercoms enhance safety levels and management efficiency with strong integration capabilities. Hikvision’s All-in-One Indoor Station Series controls and manages all Hikvision access control, video security, and alarm devices through the built-in Hik-Connect app. The product series can also be converged with third-party applications to satisfy customised or personalised needs.
For more information about the Hikvision’s IP Intercom range, please visit the website.


Administer a safety survey (e.g., the Injury Prevention Program [TIPP] from the American Academy of Pediatrics, or develop your own) to assess the home environment between 6-month-old to 5-year-old.
1. Develop a plan of education and anticipatory guidance for the family.
2. How would you apply this information to a larger population?
3. 250-word maximum without the references.
· Minimum of two references in APA format, must have been published within last 3-5 years.


Most people that go through a divorce are happy to complete the process and put the end of their marriage behind them. However, in some situations, a divorce does not come to a conclusion with the final decree. Some issues like alimony or child support could remain a problem for years after the initial divorce case comes to an end. A dedicated marriage dissolution attorney could help resolve any disputes that happen following a divorce.
If you are facing changing circumstances following your divorce, you might be entitled to modify the terms of the decree. To do so, you will need approval from the court. A West Lake Hills post-divorce disputes lawyer could help you obtain this approval.
Common Post-Divorce Disputes
Typically, the divorce decree will spell out all of the important terms regarding the dissolution of a marriage. These terms could involve everything from the division of financial assets to the right to care for children. While most parties to a divorce comly with the orders of the court, post-divorce disputes are not uncommon. These disputes could arise from the failure to comply with the terms of the divorce or from a conflict brought on by changing life circumstances. An attorney in West Lake Hills could help resolves these post-divorce disputes.
Failure to Comply
Not every party to a divorce is going to willingly comply with the terms of a final agreement. When they fail to do so, the complying party could pursue legal action to enforce the terms of the divorce decree.
Relocation
One of the most hotly-contested post-divorce disputes involves a parent attempting to relocate with the children. This frequently leads to litigation as any long-distance relocation requires court approval.
Safety Issues
Some disputes arise out of concern that a child is in danger. If a parent with primary parental rights has placed a child in a situation that could lead to abuse or neglect, another parent could seek a change in custody.
Change in Income
When a judge first reviews a divorce case, they will set the amount of child support or alimony depending on the financial circumstances of each party at that time. When one spouse’s income changes dramatically, a change in the terms of the divorce might be in order. The court could increase or decrease the amount of monthly support depending on how a parent’s income has changed.
Altering Divorce Decrees due to a Dispute
Once the court issues a decree in a divorce case, the terms remain in place unless modified by the court. Without further action, the decisions regarding alimony, child custody, and child support are enforceable. To change these terms and resolve any post-divorce disputes, a person and their West Lake Hills attorney must petition to modify the final decree. The courts will not modify the terms of a divorce decree on a whim. Instead, a party to the divorce must establish that a material change in circumstances requires a modification.
Call a West Lake Hills Post-Divorce Disputes Attorney Today
It is not unusual for the disputes that follow a divorce to be more contentious than those that arise during the case itself. This is especially true for disputes that arise years after the divorce is finalized. If you are facing changing circumstances, the original terms of your divorce might no longer be fair. Contact a West Lake Hills post-divorce disputes lawyer to resolve any disagreements.


Hashimoto thyroiditis involves chronic, autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid. This is the most prevalent form of thyroiditis and the usual cause for hypothyroidism. Due to reasons still unknown, the body turns against itself where the thyroid is invaded by white blood cells and the antibodies are created to attack the thyroid gland.
In almost half of cases, the thyroid is initially underactive. In the other half of cases, the thyroid is normal at first and then it becomes underactive.
Some individuals with Hashimoto thyroiditis have other endocrine issues such as diabetes, underactive parathyroid glands, underactive adrenal gland and other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or pernicious anemia.
The condition is quite common among women especially of older age and has a tendency to run in families.
What are the indications of Hashimoto thyroiditis?
Hashimoto thyroiditis often starts with a painless, firm enlargement of the thyroid gland or a sensation of fullness in the neck. The gland typically has a rubber-like texture and oftentimes feels lumpy.
If the thyroid is underactive, the individual feels tired and intolerant of cold along with other symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some who have an overactive thyroid might initially experience nervousness, palpitations and heat intolerance.
How is it diagnosed
The doctor will measure the blood levels of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to pinpoint how the gland is functioning. Nevertheless, a diagnosis is based on the physical examination and the results of a blood test to check whether the individual has anti-thyroid antibodies that attack the gland.
Management
Even today, there is no specific treatment available for Hashimoto thyroiditis. Many individuals eventually develop hypothyroidism; thus they have to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for life.
The thyroid hormone can also be beneficial in minimizing the size of the enlarged thyroid gland. Individuals who have the condition must avoid excess intake of iodine from natural sources such as seaweed and kelp tablets.


How to Fix a Bathtub Faucet That Won't Turn
A bathtub faucet handle and stem are designed to work together. The inside of the faucet and outside of the stem are like two cog pieces, with one cog’s teeth turning the next cog. When one cog wears out from years of use, it can no longer turn the next cog. If the bathtub faucet won't turn off, the trickle of water could increase your water bill, and when the faucet won't turn on, it can cause frustration. Before moving to replace the stem or faucet, try some minor repairs to get your faucet turning again.
1.
Pry the handle cap from the center of the faucet handle with a small flat-blade screwdriver to expose the handle screw. Tighten the handle screw with a Phillips screwdriver.
2.
Rotate the bathroom faucet on or off to see if tightening the screw helps resolve the issue. If the faucet still fails to turn off or on, try repairing the end of the stem.
3.
Turn off the water supply valve to your bathtub faucet. If you can't access the shut-off valve to the faucet, turn off the water supply where it enters your home, or use a meter key to turn off the water supply at the water meter. Turn on a faucet inside your home to drain the water from your lines.
4.
Remove the handle screw from the faucet. Pull the handle off the stem.
5.
Inspect the end of the faucet stem for damage. The tip of the stem should have ridges that connect with the ridges inside the faucet handle. If these are worn or damaged, the faucet handle can’t grip the stem and turn the faucet on or off.
6.
Look inside the faucet handle for damage. A cracked handle would need replacing, as it cannot grip the faucet stem. If the ridges inside the handle are worn, the handle cannot connect with the stem and control the faucet.
7.
Clean the end of the stem with an old toothbrush to remove any water deposits. Wipe the stem dry with a rag.
8.
Wrap one or two layers of thread-seal tape around the tip of the valve stem. Push the handle over the thread-seal tape and onto the stem.
9.
Insert the handle screw through the top of the handle and into the stem. Tighten the screw and replace the handle cap.
10.
Turn the water supply back onto the bathtub faucet. Attempt to turn the water off and on. The thread-seal tape should add one or two more years to the life of the stem and the handle, and allow the faucet to turn.
Things You Will Need
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Meter key
Old toothbrush
Rag
Thread-seal tape
References
Writer Bio
Cecilia Harsch has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes mainly home improvement, health and travel articles for various online publications. She has several years of experience in the home-improvement industry, focusing on gardening, and a background in group exercise instruction. Harsch received her Certified Nurses Assistant license in 2004. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition.


The IJG Business Climate Monitor for November underlined the economic gloom hanging over Namibia and indicated that any recovery is likely to be slow and inconsistent. The main index dropped below the 50 point mark on the back of reductions in the amount of building plans approved and completed as well as the number of […]
The IJG Business Climate Monitor continued its decline in October 2018 for the sixth consecutive month. The IJG BCM fell by 1.2 points to 51.21. However, a significant improvement in the leading indicator suggested the business climate may be about to improve.
There were some signs of economic recovery reflected in the leading indicator, which is designed to predict the future course of the IJG Business Climate Monitor. However, the Business Climate Monitor (BCM) as a whole dropped by 0.67 points in September – a clear sign that the economy is still contracting. The 31 indicators that […]
The IJG Business Climate Monitor improved slightly in June on the back of increased building plans and vehicle sales and a rise in credit extension to the private sector. However, the leading indicator, which predicts future trends, remained below the 50 point mark – meaning contractions in the economy are still expected.


Abstract
During photothermal therapy (PTT), hyperthermia up to 50 °C is required for efficient induction of tumor cell death. Additional increases in temperature can lead to severe damage to adjacent tissues. Conversely, insufficient heating of deep-seated tumor tissues results in tumor recurrence. Sensitization of tumor cells to PTT may solve this problem. Stress granules (SGs) function in integration of various internal and external stresses to regulate cell viability. However, the role of SGs in PTT is currently unknown. Here, with black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets as photothermal agents, it is found that SGs are induced in tumor by PTT through eukaryotic initiation factor 2α-dependent pathway and participate in tumor resistance to PTT. To modulate SG formation in tumor, a BP hydrogel is prepared for tumor-specific delivery and near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled release of the SG inhibitor Emetine. Upon NIR-light irradiation, photothermal conversion of BP nanosheets enables PTT of tumor. Meanwhile, light-controlled release of Emetine in tumor tissues effectively inhibits PTT-induced SG formation and sensitizes tumor to PTT, resulting in enhanced tumor inhibition. These results reveal the role of SGs in PTT and present a novel strategy for tumor sensitization to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the side effects of PTT.
Keywords Emetine black phosphorus hydrogel photothermal therapy stress granules tumor sensitization ASJC Scopus subject areas Chemistry(all) Materials Science(all) Condensed Matter Physics